Florida Social Security Legal Questions

      Dear Vicky, I am sorry to hear about this and hope your husband's condition improves. That being said, the answer to your question can only be obtained through medical expert review of your husband's medical records to determine whether the standard of care was breached and if that breach directly caused or contributed to causing him serious and permanent injuries. A Personal Injury/ Medical Malpractice Attorney can assist you in exploring these issues by interviewing you in depth and reviewing your medical records prior to potentially sending them out for review by the appropriate medical experts. We all give free consultations; however, you will have to reach out, as we are unable to solicit on this forum. Do not delay, as the Statute of Limitation for bringing a Medical Malpractice lawsuit is relatively short given the complexity involved in such cases. I'm happy to speak with you about this. Loren L. Gold, Esq Direct Line: 954-742-6999... Read More

OK, so a US citizen can sponsor a spouse who entered the United States with a visa. This is true even if the visa is expired, and the immigrant is unlawfully present. Additionally, if your income is insufficient to sponsor the immigrant spouse, you can enlist the help of a joint financial sponsor as long as that person is either a US citizen or a green card holder.  You should retain an immigration attorney here in Florida to handle the case from start to finish, so that no mistakes or delays are made. Some of us charge a reasonable flat fee to handle the case from start to finish.... Read More

You may be entitled to receive either SSDI or SSI benefits from the Social Security Administration but it is difficult to make that determination without gathering all the facts of the case.  We would be happy to speak to you in more detail. Please call me for a FREE consultation at (877)817-4127. Please view our website for more information: http://workerscompfl.net/services/workers-compensation Sincerely, Lyle B. Masnikoff, Esq.Law Offices of Lyle B. Masnikoff & Associates, P.A.1645 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. Suite 550West Palm Beach, FL 33401Phone: (561)598-7120Fax: (561)598-7127Website: www.workerscompfl.net Email: lmasnikoff@workerscompfl.net Offices also located in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you full written information about our qualifications and experience.... Read More

Don't you mean "full retirement age."  Re-read the document as it is important to your benefits.  The Social Security Administration website says this: "Full retirement age is the age at which a person may first become entitled to full or unreduced retirement benefits."  Based upon the year of your birth go to this link to determine your full retirement age.... Read More

You must have a medical condition that keeps you from working for 12 months or more (or is expected to keep you from working for 12 months or more).  Please review this link so that you will see how SSA will analyze whether you are disabled. Click the "Find a Lawyer" link at the top of this page for assistance from someone nearby. Click here to apply securely online at the SSA website if you choose.... Read More

A fee agreement will be required for the lawyer to be paid.  The lawyer payment is based on your past due benefits.  Currently, the amount of the fee is 25% of the past due benefits or $6,000 whichever is less.  The fee may not exceed $6,000. If a lawyer chooses the fee petition process, it is still 25% of the past due benefits and may exceed $6,000. Some attorneys use a two-tiered agreement that combines the ideas.   Make sure that you carefully read .the fee agreement and have the attorney explain it fully so that you completely understand even if it takes more than once.  This agreement is very important and the basis for your working relationship with your lawyer.... Read More

It would be difficult, but I believe it could be possible.  You are going to need help, and a lot of evidence, such as proof of paternity and connection of the father to the wages earned under the ITIN card. You may want to contact the State Bar of Florida for their Pro Bono program (http://www.floridabar.org/), Legal Aid (Go to http://www.lsc.gov/find-legal-aid to find your local office), or a nearby legal clinic of a Law School. Every day individuals go to work and pay taxes that could be used for survivor's benefits.  However, when they die, the Social Security Administration has no record of them as an individual, and these funds never get applied as they should. Yours is a very common and very sad story.  I'm sure the father worked hard - I hope you are successful, and I hope you'll let me know how it turns out. Good luck.    ... Read More

If you are referring to disability SS benefits, and you know that you have won, you will receive a letter from SSA once they have completed the calculation. If you are trying to decide whether to file for SS disability based on how much the benefit would be, a call to your local SSA office can result in the answer to that question.  You can reach that number by following this link and plugging in your zip code: SS office locator.   That same office should be able to advise you of SS benefits regarding retirement.  However, I have found the website's Retirement Estimator very useful. Of course, if none of these options appeal to you or answer your questions, I would recommend you contact a local attorney.  You can do so easily by choosing the "Find a Lawyer" icon at the left-hand side at the top of this page.... Read More

You're question is a good one, and your belief that your payment is too low may be true.  However, it is probably correct. Your monthly payment amount is calculated based upon the wages you earned and the taxes you paid into the Social Security System.  Multiple factors are considered when calculating your "monthly payment amount" such as the average monthly earnings, etc. If I were you, I would go to the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office nearest you which you can locate following this link.  Explain your concern and have them show you the computation.  If you still disagree, let them know that you want to appeal their calculation, and someone else will look at your case. However, don't get your hopes up.  As I said above, "it is probably correct."  By the way, there will be no cost at the office of SSA.... Read More

It sounds like you need to see an attorney or financial planner experienced in this area.  Answers to questions from faceless individuals on the phone can be wrong and can vary from person to person as you have indicated.  This topic was recently addressed very well in a blog post by Charles Hall. More information would be important to answer the question: your age, his age, is he drawing SS retirement or disability right now, are you disabled.  I recommend you find an attorney or financial planner where you live that can answer your questions.... Read More